While fashion trends may come and go, the durability of hemp lives on. Gone are the days of fast fashion. Now, we all want to invest in clothing that not only looks good but also lasts. In the realm of sustainable and long-lasting fabrics, hemp has emerged as a leading choice. Due to its natural properties, hemp clothing stands the test of time, often outlasting garments made from other materials, including natural fibres like cotton.
Understanding the Fabric: Hemp
Hemp, cultivated from the Cannabis sativa plant, has been used for thousands of years for its robustness and versatility. It is a high-yield crop that requires minimal resources to grow, making it a genuinely sustainable choice. But what sets hemp apart is its inherent durability, offering clothing that is long-lasting and high-quality.
Exceptional Tensile Strength
One of the reasons hemp clothing lasts longer is due to its exceptional tensile strength. Tensile strength refers to the resistance of a material to breaking under tension. Hemp fibres are known to have one of the highest tensile strengths among natural fibres, making them resistant to wear and tear. As a result, hemp clothing can withstand repeated washings and regular wear without losing its shape or integrity.
The way hemp fabric is produced also plays a role in its durability. Hemp fibres are typically long, which allows for a stronger and more continuous thread in weaving. This results in a sturdy fabric that is less likely to unravel or develop holes over time.
NERD OUT: LEARN MORE ABOUT THE TENSILE TEST
Resistance to Fading and UV Rays: Sustaining Vibrancy
Another factor contributing to hemp’s durability is its UV resistance. Hemp naturally deflects harmful ultraviolet rays, reducing the risk of the fabric becoming thin or brittle over time due to sun exposure. This feature is particularly beneficial for outdoor wear or summer clothing.
Breathability and Moisture Absorption: Preserving Quality
Hemp fibres also possess excellent absorbency properties. This means that hemp clothing is not only comfortable to wear in various weather conditions, but it also retains dye incredibly well. Unlike synthetic fibres that may fade with time, the colors in hemp clothing stay vibrant, ensuring your clothes maintain their original look for longer.
Antimicrobial and Odor-Resistant Properties: Staying Fresh
Hemp is resistant to microbial growth. It has antibacterial properties that help to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi, often responsible for breaking down fabric and causing clothes to deteriorate faster. This inherent quality enhances the longevity of hemp clothing, making it an excellent choice for those living in humid climates or for activewear.
Softer over time
Despite its strength and durability, hemp doesn't compromise on comfort. Hemp fabric becomes softer with each wash, making it increasingly comfortable over time. This is unlike many other fabrics that may become thin and worn out with repeated washing.
Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Production: A Positive Impact
Lastly, hemp's environmental footprint adds to its overall longevity. Its cultivation requires less water and fewer pesticides than cotton. Moreover, as a biodegradable and recyclable material, even when a hemp garment eventually reaches the end of its lifespan, it does not contribute to landfill waste, creating a cycle of sustainability that goes beyond the actual wearing of the garment.
The superior durability of hemp clothing is a result of the natural properties of the hemp plant, coupled with the production process. Its high tensile strength, UV resistance, absorbency, antibacterial properties, and the way it is woven together, all contribute to a garment that is designed to last. While the upfront cost of hemp clothing might be higher than some other materials, the extended lifespan of these garments ensures they are a cost-effective investment in the long run. In fact, Hempstitch is so committed to helping shoppers make the switch to hemp clothing that we’ve launched the Venture by Hempstitch range, an affordable range of basics that have been carefully selected to get our customers hooked on hemp clothing.
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